President Bola Tinubu urged African leaders to abandon foreign dependency during his speech at a symposium in Abuja. He emphasized the need for actionable policies and empowering youth innovation. The Amandla Institute aims to transform Africa’s leadership landscape, shifting from a focus on aid to collaborative growth. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki reiterated the urgency of visionary leadership for Africa’s development in a changing global order.
President Bola Tinubu has called on African leaders to eliminate reliance on foreign strategies and focus on actionable policies for real change. Speaking at the Dr Kayode Fayemi Commemorative Symposium in Abuja, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, he highlighted the continent’s stagnation due to a client-state mentality and social media-driven governance. “The world is not waiting for Africa to catch up,” Tinubu asserted, emphasizing that while Africa engages in political disputes, other nations are leveraging data for future advancements.
Tinubu pointed out that the newly established Amandla Institute for Policy and Leadership Advancement is crucial for fostering actionable ideas. He expressed the need for leaders to view policy as a strategic tool for real change and to leverage technology, particularly artificial intelligence, recognizing that Africa must take active steps in shaping its future. He criticized the expectation of development through foreign assistance and urged a shift towards creating self-sustained economies.
Tinubu stressed the importance of empowering the youth across Africa to innovate and build successful enterprises without needing external approval. He stated, “Our young people don’t lack ideas—they lack ecosystems where policy, funding, and political will converge to scale their genius.” The President called upon leaders to transition from mere power custodians to facilitators for innovation, advocating for local think tanks to craft relevant trade policies.
Furthermore, he charged the Amandla Institute with elevating Africa’s global perception, shifting from a reliance on aid to collaborative, equal partnerships in solution-building. “Africa seeks collaboration, not patronage,” he declared, urging leaders to move beyond discussions to tangible actions that can drive progress. Former South African President Thabo Mbeki supported Tinubu’s message, emphasizing the need for visionary leadership to address underdevelopment and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.
Mbeki noted the importance of strategic leadership as the global order becomes increasingly multipolar, asserting that African nations must assert their interests effectively. He expressed confidence in the Amandla Institute’s ability to cultivate such leadership and increase African influence in international policymaking. The event gathered notable attendees including UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed and past Nigerian leaders, highlighting the significance of the discussions held.
The focus of President Bola Tinubu’s address at the symposium revolves around the pressing need for African leaders to stop depending on foreign strategies and instead promote homegrown policies. This paradigm shift is seen as essential for advancing Africa’s development and ensuring that African nations become proactive participants in crafting their destinies rather than passive recipients of aid. The establishment of the Amandla Institute underscores an intention to generate actionable ideas and leadership that harness technology to drive progress across the continent.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s call for an end to foreign dependency and the promotion of local innovation marks a pivotal moment for African leadership. By fostering a generation of leaders who prioritize actionable change and utilize technology effectively, Africa can redefine its global presence. The commitment to developing self-sustaining economies and encouraging youth innovation is likely to spearhead a collaborative future where Africa is an equal partner rather than a mere recipient of aid.
Original Source: www.zawya.com
